Khamzat Chimaev has signed a contract with the RAF wrestling league, expanding his combat sports presence beyond MMA. The announcement confirms his commitment to compete in wrestling matches under the organization. No specific opponents or debut dates have been revealed at this time. Fans are being asked about potential matchups they would like to see for Chimaev's wrestling debut.
Khamzat Chimaev has officially signed a contract with the RAF wrestling league, adding competitive wrestling to his combat sports portfolio and marking a significant step outside the cage for the middleweight contender.
Chimaev, known as "Borz," enters the wrestling circuit as one of MMA's most feared grapplers. The 32-year-old carries a 15-1-0 professional record and currently sits ranked first in the UFC middleweight division, with a top-ten pound-for-pound standing as well. Representing the United Arab Emirates and training out of Allstars Training Center in Sweden, Chimaev has built his MMA reputation on relentless wrestling pressure, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes. His striking has been equally dangerous, with a 60 percent accuracy rate and 4.04 significant strikes landed per minute. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, he is a physically imposing presence in any combat setting.
The announcement confirms his commitment to compete under the RAF organization, though no opponents or debut dates have been disclosed. The league has invited fans to weigh in on potential matchups for his wrestling debut, suggesting the rollout of specific bouts is still in early stages.
Why it matters
- Chimaev is the top-ranked UFC middleweight, meaning any extended commitment outside MMA carries divisional implications.
- His grappling credentials translate directly to competitive wrestling, making him a credible crossover competitor rather than a celebrity signing.
- No timeline has been given, leaving questions open about how the wrestling schedule will interact with his MMA career going forward.
